State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.

Growing up in the small town of Delavan, one of my fondest childhood memories was of spending time with Clar Condon, who lived down the street from us. Mr Condon was a World War I veteran.

He used to love to show my brother and me all of the memorabilia he had from the first World War. It was like living down the block from a museum.

But Mr. Condon did more than just tell stories; he was the conductor in our church band, he was active in helping shut-ins around the community and he organized all of us Boy Scouts to put flags on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Like so many of our veterans today, Mr. Condon served his country and then came home to serve his community. It is for both of these reasons that my brother and I looked up to him.

Another unsung hero I think about is my Uncle Ken who served in Korea. It was only after he passed away that our family learned that he received a Purple Heart.

Throughout this week I’ve heard from other Wisconsinites about the veterans they remember. One woman mentioned her dad who’s still living and who served at the Battle of the Bulge. Another woman mentioned her husband who served in Vietnam as a medic. A man mentioned his friend who was wounded in Iraq saving other wounded soldiers after an IED attack in 2007. These are just a few of the thousands who have served our nation.

This week our state and nation honors veterans like Mr. Condon and thousands like him. Our country is great because of the men and women who wear our country’s uniform and willingly put service before self.

This Friday, we honor all of the men and woman who served in our Armed Forces. On behalf of a grateful state, we say thank you.

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